Natural Remedies for Voice Loss
Losing your voice is not fun. Not only is it aggravating, but losing your voice can impede your ability to accomplish everyday tasks in life. You don’t realise how important your voice is until it’s gone and you are literally aching in the throat to have it back again.
There are many factors that can lead to voice loss. The number one cause of voice loss is laryngitis and is often caused by an infection of the upper respiratory tract. An overuse of your vocal chords can also lead to short-term voice loss. Loss of voice can last for a few days or up to 2 weeks or more. Treating and recuperating your voice can be tricky and generally there is not a miracle cure. If you have lost your voice and are at a loss of words and ways to treat it, try following our guide below.
Apple cider vinegar
The properties of apple cider vinegar contain powerful antimicrobial properties that help to fight against infections. It is considered an ascetic acid and is potent when fighting off bacteria that are often the culprit for common upper respiratory tract infections. If you choose to use apple cider vinegar to treat voice loss, try the following recipe:
- 30 grams of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 15 grams of honey
- 1/2 cup of water
- a dash of cayenne pepper
Mix all ingredients in 1/2 cup of warm water. Gargle twice a day or as needed until voice has been recuperated.
Salt water
Simple and effective, salt water is an easy and natural solution for treating voice loss. To prepare just add 15 grams of salt to warm water and gargle on a daily basis.
Garlic
This superfood will help to eliminate bacteria in the body and also acts as a natural expectorant. Garlic is also contains potent antimicrobials that will keep your body healthy and free from yucky bacteria that often lead to upper respiratory infections. There are a few ways to use garlic as a natural remedy to treat voice loss:
- Take one garlic clove and peel completely. Start to nibble very small bites until you have consumed the entire clove.
- Chop garlic into very thin pieces and place them into a jar with apple cider vinegar and let brew overnight. Eat between 15 to 30 grams a day.
Steam
Steam is a great way to relieve aggravating symptoms of voice loss. If you are experiencing a sore throat, steam can help to relieve pain and discomfort. You don’t need to purchase a humidifier or go to the sauna to experience the benefits of steaming. All you need is a stove, a pan and a towel.
Start by heating up water in large deep pan. Heat until you reach a boil and then remove from stove. Place pan on a safe surface and let cool slightly. Cover your hands with two stove-top mittens and cover your head with a towel. Place your head over the steaming water until you feel relief in your throat.
Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant to naturally treat things such as colds and throat pain. It can also be used to treat voice loss because of its soothing effects on inflamed vocal chords.
Start by taking a whole ginger root and cut into thinly sliced pieces. Place into a covered pan and add a cup of water. Boil for ten minutes. Strain and let cool. Use as a daily tea to treat and relieve pesky symptoms of throat pain and voice loss.
Give your voice a break
Whether your voice loss has been caused by an overuse of your voice or an upper respiratory infection, it is a good idea to stop give your voice a rest. That means simply stop talking. A common misconception is that whispering is better than talking. This is actually not the case at all. Whispering actually puts more strain on your voice then regular talking. If you are experiencing throat pain along with voice loss, we recommend using your voice scarcely, if at all, for a minimum of one week. If your symptoms do not clear up after two weeks it is best to check with a specialist.
